I am writing to urge Sound Transit and regional leaders to consistently refer to our light rail system as The Link, rather than the generic phrase “the light rail.”
Link is the official name of our system, and using it matters. Every major metropolitan area gives its rail system a distinctive name that builds recognition and civic pride: San Francisco has BART, Chicago the L, Boston the T, Washington, D.C. Metro, Portland MAX and Los Angeles Metro Rail. These names signal permanence and identity. Seattle’s system deserves the same clarity and confidence.
Referring to our system simply as “the light rail” makes it sound provisional. The Link is its proper name and reflects continuity and regional growth.
Clear Link signage at stations and consistent use in communications would give the system the identity it deserves.
Judith MacMillan, Bellevue
